Mandya District

About Mandya District

Mandya District is an administrative district located in Karnataka, India. Mandya District is bounded on the south by Mysore District, on the west by Hassan District, on the north by Tumkur District and on the east by Bangalore District.Mandya district popularly known as ‘Land of Sugar’ came in to existence on 1st of July 1939. Earlier it was part of Mysore district. It is one of the districts with fertile land in south Karnataka.The district consists of 7 revenue blocks and for the easy educational administration the district is divided into 8 educational blocks. Total area of the district is 4961 square kms, out of which 3.11 lakh hectares are cultivated land, 0.24 lakh hectares are covered by forest area and remaining 1.63 lakh hectares are barren and uncultivable.

It was ruled successively by the kings of the Ganga dynasty, followed by the Cholas and the Hoysalas. Mandya covers an area of about 4,850 sq km. The land includes plains, rocky ridges, rivers, and an extension of the Biligirirangana range of mountains in the south-east. Four rivers run through the district - Cauvery, Hemavati, Lokapavani and Shimsha.

The district is located in the south east of Karnataka State and shares its borders with the districts of Mysore, Hassan, Tumkur and Bangalore. Most of the land is flat, interspersed with hilly region and sparsely vegetated by thorns and bushes. The district is situated at the height of 762 to 914 meters from the sea level.

According to Hindu legend, Sage Mandavya had performed penance in this land. Since then, this place is called as “Mandya”.Mandya is about 90Kms from Bangalore, on Bangalore-Mysore State Highway - 17.Earlier Mandya was part of Mysore District. Mandya district came into existence on 1st July 1939. Water from river Cauvery supplied through KRS dam is used for both domestic & irrigation purpose. Sugarcane & Paddy are grown in abudance & the district has 3 sugar factories.

Agriculture is the main occupation of people in the district. Most of the industries that are run in the district depend on agriculture for their raw material. Sugar Mills, Jaggery making units, Rice Mills are the prominent industries of this district.

History

It was ruled successively by the kings of the Ganga dynasty, followed by the Cholas and the Hoysalas. Mandya covers an area of about 4,850 sq km. The land includes plains, rocky ridges, rivers, and an extension of the Biligirirangana range of mountains in the south-east. Four rivers run through the district - Cauvery, Hemavati, Lokapavani and Shimsha.

Srirangapatna, the island fortress of the legendary warrier king Tippu sultan popularly known as “Tiger of Mysore” is just 25 K.Ms from Mandya city. Inside the fortress is Tippu’s Mosque with its twin minarats, the celebrated Ranganatha swamy temple, Tippu’s summer palace, the Wellesley bridge and dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned. Equally impressive is the ornate white domed Gumbaz, an imposing structure with dooms of ebony inlaid with ivory and lacquered with Tippu’s Tiger striped emblem. About 1 KM to the east of the fort, Tippu’s summer palace known as the Dariadaulat bagh (Museum) is set amidst a lovely garden.

Educational Institutions

Institutions

• Bharathi College Of Pharmacy
• Sri Adichunchanagiri College Of Pharmacy
• PES College Of Engineering, Mandya
• Dist Instit Of Edn & Train Govt Tti
• Govt TTI, Nagamangala
• Govt TTI , Malavalli
• Sri KV Shankeregowda T T I
• St Joseph STTI
• H Hombegowda Memorial Law College
• Janatha Education Society Law College
• Govt Polytechnic
• Bet Polytechnic
• Mvs Polytechnic
• Sri Adichunchanagiri Iti
• Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadeyar Iti
• Pes College Of Science
• Govt Ex Municipal Pu College
• Shanthi Arts & Sc College
• JP Memorial Pu College
• Vijaya Pu College
• Krishnaraja Ind Pu College
• Omsriniketana Pu College
• HK Veeranna Gowda College
• Rural Comp Pu College
• Adichunchanagiri Institute Of Medical Sc
• Sri Adichunchanagiri ITC
• Shankaregowda College Of Edn

Tourist Attraction

Srirangapatna
This island fortress of Tippu Sultan is situated on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway at about 25Kms from Mandya. This history-rich town was the capital of the Warrior-Kings Hyder Ali and his sonTippu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore.

Krishna Raja Sagara Dam and Brindavan Gardens:Located 19 kms North-West of Mysore is the KRS Dam and the ornamental terraced Brindavan Gardens. The swirling Musical Fountains dancing to the rhythm of soft music and colourful Lights transform this place into a fairy land in the evenings, attracting thousands of visitors.

Kuntibetta is a small hill ideal for trekking. It is actually two hills, namely Kuntibetta and Bheemanabetta, near the town of Pandavapura. It is believed that the exiled Pandava brothers and their mother Kunti spent some time here.

The ruins of Tipu’s Palace can be found at Srirangapatna, 16 km north-east of Mysore. It is about 150 m away from the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple.

Tomb of Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali is situated at the south-eastern end of Srirangapatna. Built by Tipu Sultan in 1784 for his parents, this is an elegant square tomb chamber surmounted by a brick built dome. Tipu was buried here in 1799.

Mandya Jain Temple, located at a distance of 42 km from Mysore and 100 km to the south west of Bangalore, enshrines the idol of Bhagvan Ananthanatha Swamy in the kayotsarga posture. Besides the idol of Bhagwan Ananthanatha Swamy, idol of Goddess Padmavathi Devi is also seen inside the temple sanctum.

Gumbaz:Tippu’s Fort at Srirangapatna holds within it the Juma mosque and the Ranganatha Swamy Temple. Outside the fort, is the Gumbaz, the tomb of Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan.The Masjid-e-ala mosque built during Tipu’s time(1784) was completely painted by the “Baburi” motif which was later whitewashed by the British.

Satyagraha Soudha Shivpura:A monument to mark the freedom struggle at Maddur in particular and Mandya district in general, this is an architecturally unique building located on Bangalore Mysore Highway, 80 K.M. away from Bangalore and 25 K.M.s from Mandya.

Shimsha: A fine Inspection bungalow overlooks the deep and verdant Shimsha valley where the river Shimsha joins the Cauvery. This place is reached by the road that branches off from the main Maddur-Malavalli-Kollegal road.

Kaveri Fishing Camp:Kaveri Fishing Camp, at Bhimeshwari. A paradise for anglers with the rich Mahaseer fish found in abundance. Karnataka Jungle Lodges and Resort, Bangalore manages this Fishing Camp.

**Hosa Holalu Temple:**The Lakshminarayana temple is a magnificient example of Hoysala architecture of the thirteenth century. The intricate carvings in stone depict various images from the Mahabharata and other epics.

Sriranganatha Temple :
Temple of Lord Vishnu in the sleeping posture on the Great Snake Anantha, is one of the Largest Shrines in the State. The temple represents a mixture of Vijayanagara and Hoysala Styles of Architecture.The architecture and wall carvings of this temple are astounding. Outside the temple, handicrafts made locally are sold at a very reasonable price.

The lake of Tirumalasagara is 6 km from Melkote. It is where the Hoysala King Bittideva accepted the Vaishnava faith under the patronage of the sage Ramanujacharya. Nambi Narayana Swamy and the Venugopala Temple on its bank are two beautiful examples of Hoysala architecture.

**Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary:**Located in Mandya District, Adichunchanagiri peacock sanctuary is covered with scrub forest and plantations. The altitude here varies from 770 - 1000 m. The sanctuary was established with the specific purpose of protecting the peacock. Other fauna seen here includes bonnet macaque, fruit bat, jungle cat, common mongoose and hare.

Daria Daulat Bagh:
Built in 1784, this Summer Palace was one of Tipu’s favourite retreats. Made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. Now, a museum houses some of Tippu’s belongings There are mural paintings on the walls of the ground floor depicting Tippu’s Military Campaign against the British.

Shivanasamudra falls
The river Shimsha , a tributary of the Cauvery, has its fall in Malavalli taluk in Mandya district, located at about 60 Kms from Mandya.The Cauvery at Shivanasamudra falls (in Mandya district) has twin jumps, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, one km away from each other and their water has been harnessed for production of power from 1901. Falling down from a height of 75 m into a deep gorge,these falls are best during the monsoons.1.5 kms.away is Asia’s first hydro-electric power project set up in 1901.

Kokkrebellur
Small village at about 40 Kms from Mandya. Entire village waits eagerly for the arrival of winged guests every year with whom villagers have developed a relationship of reverence.During October/November every year, the village turns home to migratory birds. Flocks of painted storks (ibis leucocephalus) and spot billed pelicans (pelecanus philippenis) descend on the hamlet to build their nests and rear their young ones.

Melkote
Around 35 kilometres from Mandya city is to be found on a hilly tract comprising some of the oldest rock formations on the earth’s crust. Nestling in the heart of these hills lies the temple town of Melkote or Tirunarayanapuram (as it is also called ).

Bheemeshwari Wildlife Sanctuary is situated between the cascades of Mekedatu, Barachukki and Gaganachukki in Mandya District. It is a perfect picnic spot with verdant forest, steep valley and beautiful streams. It is the natural home for Mahseer fish and a variety of exciting animals. Fauna includes wild boars, monkeys, jackals, crocodiles, otters, leopards and deers.

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the districts of Mysore, Bangalore and Mandya in Karnataka. The Cauvery River forms the northern and eastern boundary of the sanctuary.The sanctuary is occupied by dry deciduous forests and some patches of scrub forest. Inhabitants include tiger, leopard, elephant, wild pig, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, four-horned antelope, Malabar giant squirrel, grizzled giant squirrel, common otter, and hare. Reptiles include marsh crocodile, turtles, python, cobra, Russells viper and banded krait

**Basaralu Temple:**The Mallikarjuna Temple at Basaralu is a good and highly ornate specimen of Hoysala architecture, built in the thirteenth century by Harihara Dannayaka, during the rule of the Hoysala King Narasimha II. Two fine elephants with animated appearance flank the doorway of the porch.

Brahmeshwara Temple, Kikkeri:Situated about eight miles from K.R.Pet town and ten miles from Sravanabelagola, this temple is a fine specimen of Hoysala architecture. It was constructed in A.D.1171, during the rule of the Hoysala King Narasimha I, by a lady named Bammare Nayakiti.The architecture of this single-celled temple features a magnificent stone tower and beautifully carved pillars. Narasimha Temple of Hoysala period is an ancient temple situated to the south east of the famous Ranganatha temple at Srirangapatna at a distance of 100 yards

**Hemagiri:**Hemagiri in K.R.Pet Taluk, about six miles from K.R.Pet Town, is on the bank of the river Hemavati. The left bank of the river has a continuous strip of grand and fascinating foliage

Kaveri vana:The musical fountain in the well maintained “Kaveri Vana” gardens in front of the D.C. Office attracts hundreds of visitors every Sunday.

Brindavan Gardens
The Krishna Raja Sagar dam (in Sriranagapatna Taluk) was designed & constructed by renowned architect Sir.M.Vishweshwaraiah in 1932 during the regime of Sri. Krishnaraja Wodeyar - IV. It is built close to confluence of three rivers cauvery, Hemavathi & Lakshmana Teertha. The length of the dam is 2621 meters & height 39 meters. The reservoir itself is spread over an area of 130 Sq. Kms.

Ganjam:
Housing the mortal remains of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and his mother, the Ganjam has splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory. Tippu’s favourite Tiger stripes cover the walls.

Sri Nambinarayana Temple, one of the temples of Mandya district that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located at Thondanur, this temple is constructed by the Hoysala dynasty and closely resembles the Chennakesava Temple at Belur and is over 1000 years old.

Sri Keshava Perumal Koil is located at Bindiganavile in Mandya District of Karnataka. This temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture and it is an ancient shrine popular among Hebbar Iyengars, a sub-sect of Vaishnavas. The temple is dedicated to Sri Channa Keshava Perumal, who resides along with Sri Sowmyanaayaki Thaayaar.

Ugra Narasimha Temple is one of the famous temples of Mandya district, built by the Hoysala Dynasty. This is a fine reflection of architectural poise. This particular temple enshrines the 7 ft high shining black idol of Lord Narasimha with eight hands and three eyes, killing Hiranyakashipu and wearing the viscera as garland.

Ranganathittu
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, 4 Kms to the South West of Srirangapatna, is home to several exotic species of birds. Emigrant birds of all types notably pelicans and storks can be found here. Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary that allows a close view of birds, both exotic and familiar and of crocodiles that resemble mud banks. Birds from as far away as Siberia make this their home.

**Tannur Lake:**Among the many lakes in the district, the Tannur lake which was also called the Moti Talab, in the Pandavapura Taluk, is an old lake with historical association. It is situated about 3 miles to the left of the seventh mile of the Pandavapura Railway Station- Nelligere Road.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

• Hotel Govardhan
• Hotel Viceroy
• Maurya Palace Hotel
• Sandesh The Prince Mysore
• Palace Plaza Hotel
• Hotel Krishnaraja Sagar
• Hotel Mayura River View
• Hotel Mayura Cauvery(Phone:+91-8236-657252)
• Fort View Resort (Phone:+91-823-2653177)

Location info

Mandya is about 90Kms from Bangalore, on Bangalore-Mysore State Highway - 17

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Mandya District

October to March is the best time to explore cities in Karnataka — pleasant weather for sightseeing. November to February offers comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Summer (April-June) can be hot — plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening.

Timings & opening hours

City attractions have varying hours. Most shops and markets operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Temples and heritage sites typically open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Malls and restaurants stay open until late.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fees vary by attraction within the city. Most parks and public spaces are free. Museums: ₹20-₹100 for Indian nationals, ₹100-₹500 for foreign nationals. Heritage sites: nominal entry fee.

Duration needed

2-3 days is ideal to explore the main attractions of the city. A day trip can cover the highlights. Week-long stays allow for in-depth exploration including day trips to nearby attractions.

Safety tips

Karnataka’s cities are generally safe for tourists. Take standard precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas after dark, use registered taxis or app-based cabs at night, and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, camera, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, city map or smartphone with navigation, power bank, light jacket for air-conditioned venues, and identification documents.

Nearby visiting places

Nearby attractions include other cities in the region, historical sites, temples, nature spots, and recreational areas within a day-trip distance.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

The city has its own railway station and bus stand. The nearest domestic/international airport connects to major cities. City buses, auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis, and rental cars are available for local transport.

Things to do at Mandya District

Explore the city’s heritage sites, museums, and markets. Visit temples, churches, or mosques. Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants and street food stalls. Shop for local handicrafts and specialities. Experience the city’s nightlife and cultural events. Take day trips to nearby attractions.

Things to visit & highlights

Historical landmarks and heritage buildings, museums and art galleries, shopping areas and markets, parks and gardens, religious sites, and cultural centres showcasing local art and performances.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around the city? Auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs (Uber/Ola), and city buses are available in most Karnataka cities. Walking is ideal for exploring compact city centres.

What local dishes should I try? Karnataka cities offer diverse cuisine — try dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, ragi mudde, and local seafood (in coastal cities). Don’t miss the famous filter coffee.

Is the city safe for solo travellers? Karnataka’s cities are generally safe. Take standard precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, use registered transport, and keep valuables secure.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: District Of

Photo gallery of Mandya District

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Mandya District on popular travel photography sites and social media.